Travis candidate touts business background

This is the last in a series of three profiles on candidates seeking election in November to the Travis Unified School District Governing Board -- Editor

As an information technology manager, John Dickerson believes his business background and longtime military service separate him from the other candidates seeking seats on the Travis Unified governing board.

"I have a good knowledge of business," said Dickerson, 47, a former U.S. Air Force master sergeant who earned a master's degree in business administration. "I've work with contracts that have a short deadline and high dollar amounts. I have the ability to work through (contracts) smoothly."

He is one of three candidates in the district's Trustee Area No. 2 seeking two seats on the board. The other two are Riitta Irmelia De Anda, a small-business owner; and Donna Lynn Bishop, a foster parent. Election Day is Nov. 5, to fill the offices of three members of the governing board whose terms expire Dec. 6: Dawn Kirby, Gary R. Craig and Donna Bishop.

Additionally, Dickerson contends that he can help the five-member board function at a higher level because he has "a good rapport with district staff and teachers."

His wife was a former district trustee and he attended several board meetings during her tenure.

If elected, Dickerson, who has the backing of several labor groups, wants to keep a focus on what he believes are the top two issues facing the 5,500-student district: the coming Common Core State Standards -- a set of standards (what is taught) that define the knowledge, concepts and skills students should have at each grade level -- and class-size reduction.

"It really comes down to funding, and how the funding is used," the Fairfield resident said. "What is the plan for the rollout (of Common Core)? I realize it's expensive. I'd like to ensure that it goes into place. We have to get in front of this and make it work."

As for class size reduction, Dickerson wants the district to hire more teachers.

He would also like to help to forge a curriculum "that isn't just college-based."

"Because not everybody wants to go to college," said Dickerson. "I think we could work with local unions and create easier access to apprenticeships."

Outside of the classroom, parents provide the primary support students need to succeed, Dickerson said.

In his ballot statement, he wrote, "My focus is to create an environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. This requires smaller classes, rich curriculum, diverse electives, advanced placement, career-technical and vocational courses."